Paul Chapman is set to return from a long injury absence in Geelong's clash with Sydney.

Quinn Rooney: Getty Images

Geelong's three-time AFL premiership hero Paul Chapman will return from a long absence for the Cats' crucial match with Sydney on Saturday.

Collingwood has also recalled a premiership star, Alan Didak, for Friday night's clash with West Coast.

Star forward Tom Hawkins also returns for the Cats, after having last weekend off to rest a sore back.

Chapman will play his first AFL game since round four, after finding good form in the VFL on return from hamstring injuries.

The Swans have lost Jude Bolton to illness, recalling Tom Mitchell.

Didak returns for Collingwood for just his third game this season.

The Magpies have lost Jamie Elliott (hamstring) and Ben Sinclair (shoulder), while Andrew Embley and Luke Shuey join a long list of missing Eagles, but Chris Masten returns.

Carlton has been boosted by the return of ruckman Matthew Kreuzer for Saturday night's must-win meeting with Essendon.

The slumping Bombers have also gained some reinforcements, with Paddy Ryder, Michael Hurley and David Myers to return, but Dyson Heppell's ankle injury has forced him out.

Fremantle will be without ruckman Aaron Sandilands (cheekbone) for Saturday night's crucial clash with Port Adelaide, while the Power have lost Hamish Hartlett (suspension) and Cameron Hitchcock (hamstring).

North Melbourne's Jack Ziebell and Michael Firrito return to take on top-placed Hawthorn on Saturday, while the Hawks have lost Paul Puopolo.

Richmond star Jack Riewoldt has doused fears that his knee injury is serious by training without apparent trouble on Thursday and has been named in the Tigers' squad to face Greater Western Sydney.

Melbourne has regained James Frawley and Chris Dawes for Saturday's Football Park meeting with Adelaide, but Jack Fitzpatrick and Sam Blease are among Demons forced out injured.

The Crows have lost Sam Shaw (hamstring).

Brisbane has lost Simon Black (suspension) for Sunday's encounter with the Western Bulldogs.

St Kilda has regained Lenny Hayes for their clash with Gold Coast, but Justin Koschitzke has not been included, meaning his last chance to reach his 200-game milestone will be in round 23 against Fremantle.